Nitrite Problem

[Kevinator]

About 2 weeks ago I tested my water and my nitrate and nitrite levels were way out of control (Nitrate 200 PPM and Nitrite 10.0 ) but all of my other water levels were good! I did a 35% water change instead of the usual 20 to 25%. I bought some plants to spruce the joint up a bit. Mind you none of my fish have died or appeared to be stressed. I tested the water today and my nitrate is down to 40 PPM but my nitrite level is still the same. Is there anything else I can do lower the nitrites

 

[OrganizedChaos69]

Assuming that your tests are accurate, this means that your bacteria are not doing their job. Nitrite is converted to Nitrate by bacteria, and if you still have a reading of 10 for your nitrates and have lost 160 ppms of Nitrate, then your tank has stopped cycling. How old is the tank, how soon after setting it up did you add fish? How large is the tank and how many fish of what types are there. Any and all info is helpful in finding a solution.

 

[Kevinator]

The tank is about 3 months old and its 20 gallons. I didn't start adding fish for about 4 days after I put water in the tank. I have 16 fish (guppies, balloon mollies, platys, dawrf gourami and danios).

 

[Danno]

When you get abnormal reading I would say test again. maybe it was a fluke? If not do a 90% water change if you are getting those high readings if you have fish in your tank.

 

[OrganizedChaos69]

Hmmm that does seem like a very overcrowded tank you have there sir. I wouldn't be suprised if you are having ammonia and nitrite problems. The best long term solution is to get a larger tank, or another of the same size and splitting those guys up.

 

[Kevinator]

No fluke I did a second reading and still the same. 90%? How long do I cycle it for? Is there any kind of supplement I can add to it?

My first tank was only 2 1/5 gallons is it safe for me to put all of them in there??

Hmmm that does seem like a very overcrowded tank you have there sir. I wouldn't be suprised if you are having ammonia and nitrite problems. The best long term solution is to get a larger tank, or another of the same size and splitting those guys up.

I thought the rule of thumb is one fish per one gallon.

 

[Danno]

A 90% water change will not uncycle your tank. You cycle your filter and gravel, not your water. I would add some StressZyme though. Make sure you declor!

 

[OrganizedChaos69]

No no no, one inch per a gallon. Can you imagine a fair sized dwarf gourami in something about the size of half a milk jug? Basically a goldfish bowl? The rule is 1 inch of fish a gallon, but this applies to fish that grow mostly lenghtwise not heightwise. Those 16 fish you have there will grow up to be about 40 inches of fish at least. 2 x as much as you should have.